Ways You Can Support Clear Horizons Academy

Donate - You can make a tax deductible contribution to Clear Horizons Academy by visiting clearhorizonsacademy.org.  In addition to financial contributions, the school accepts gifts-in-kind, both new and lightly used items; simply call the school to receive an updated list of needed items.  801-437-0490

Amazon.com - Go to our website first, click on the Amazon link to reach their website and make your purchases as usual.  Amazon will then donate five to ten percent of your purchase total to the our school.

Smith's Earn & Learn Program - Help earn money for our school each time you use your Fresh Values card at Smith's.  Register your Smith's Fresh Values Card on line at www.smithsfoodanddrug.com, and select Clear Horizons Academy in the Community Rewards section of your account settings.  Then, every time you shop for groceries and swipe your Fresh Values card, our school earns points.  The more purchases made by those linked with our school, the great the donation we will receive.

Volunteer - We are always looking for new members for our fundraising committee for fundraising events or projects.  Simply call the school for more information.  801-437-0490

Childhood Anxiety

Many children with ASD or Asperger's have extreme anxiety.  This can make things difficult for transitioning, trying new things or coping in certain environments.

I've had quite a few parents ask me about what to do with anxiety.  As I've been searching, I've come across a few sites that may be of help to parents and caregivers.

Parenting Tips for Anxious Kids:
http://www.worrywisekids.org/parents/parenting_child.html

How to Spot Anxiety in Children:
http://childparenting.about.com/od/healthsafety/a/childstress.htm

How to Handle Anxiety in Children:
http://childparenting.about.com/od/healthsafety/a/handlechildanxiety.htm

Child Anxiety Network
http://www.childanxiety.net/

ENJOY!

Utah Symphony and Opera

Just a heads up if you want to register to go to this:

A Concert for Children with Autism and their Families Utah Symphony | Utah Opera offers an annual concert for children with autism, and their families. We present this concert because we know that many families cannot attend cultural events together because their autistic child (children) acts in distracting ways. We feature our Opera Resident Artists with the Utah Symphony on the Capitol Theater Stage in a special concert where everyone understands the difficulty of keeping these children quiet in their seats. This concert is FREE but registration is required.  Register below for the 2010-11 event.

Go here:http://usuoeducation.org/special_needs for more info :)

Book Recommendations

I was recommended some books and such in the realm of Special Needs and Autism from

AutismTeachingTools.net

Although I have not read much of the list, I thought I'd share some of the information in case they would be of interest to parents and community.  Books I have read and recommend are in the book list on the column to the right.  Enjoy!

Strengthening Relationships

When Our Children Have Special Needs

When there is a child with special needs in your family, it can be easy to overlook your own needs, desires, and dreams, or those of the ones you love. Long-awaited and much-needed, this book addresses the real-life impact a special needs child has on family relationships.

Loving Mr. Spock

If you love someone with Asperger’s, or have Asperger’s yourself, you can learn a lot from this book. As a popular advice columnist in the UK, Barbara Jacobs never suspected she’d be the one needing the relationship advice. But when she fell in love with Danny, a man with Asperger’s Syndrome, she quickly learned to expect the unexpected.

Books for Siblings with Autism

Sometimes My Brother

Helping Kids Understand Autism through  a Sibling's Eyes

Winner of an iParenting Media Award, this adorable picture book shows readers the challenges that children with autism face and the obstacles they overturn. It is lovingly written in the perspective of three-year-old Foster, who explains his experiences with his older brother, Gavin, who has autism.

Autism Through A Sister’s  Eyes

When young people have questions about a brother or sister with autism or Asperger’s Syndrome, clear answers can be hard to find. Written by Eve Band, PhD, a clinical psychologist, this book gives voice to ten-year-old Emily’s story: her questions about her brother, her search for answers about autism, and her exploration of her feelings as a sibling of a young man with autism.

Books to Help Classmates Understand their Friends with Special Needs

Special People, Special Ways

Winner of a 2009 Preferred Choice Award by Creative Child Magazine! “Share a joke or a dream. Make someone feel good. We need laughter, hugs, and to be understood. . . . Though we seem different, inside we’re the same. Our hearts are for caring, no matter our name.” Arlene Maguire’s delightful rhymes combine with Sheila Bailey’s rich watercolor illustrations to take the reader on a journey of discovery. Each page portrays positive images of children with various disabilities. Winner of an iParenting Media Award, this book illustrates that beyond our physical limitations is a world of unique gifts for each of us to share. Teachers and parents love to read this book aloud to promote understanding and tolerance at school and at home.

Friends Learn About Tobin

Parents and teachers will find this book useful in teaching mutual understanding. Friends Learn About Tobin shows how Tobin’s friends accept and appreciate his differences, such as discomfort with change, repetitious behavior, a knack for numbers, a photographic memory, literal interpretation of words, and sensitivity to noises and crowds.

My Friend With Autism: A Coloring Book for Peers and Siblings

Written for classmates of spectrum students and the classmates’ parents, this kid-friendly book explains in positive ways that children with autism are good at some things, not so good at others—just like everyone else!

Captain Tommy  

More than a delightful story, Captain Tommy teaches understanding and kindness. Tommy goes to “space camp" and meets John, a boy who seems “spaced out" and different from other children. The camp counselor makes Tommy the captain of the spaceship, and gives him the job of getting John to interact with the other space-kids. After several attempts, Tommy succeeds, and John shows everyone how to climb a “space pole" and slide back down. The kids are impressed, and John becomes a true part of the group, no longer “lost in space."

Books for Raising Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

1001 Great Ideas for Teaching and Raising Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Winner of a 2006 Teachers’ Choice Award! Parents and professionals can now bypass countless hours spent seeking answers to the mystifying day-to-day challenges of autism. In a snappy, can-do format, this book offers page after page of try-it-now solutions that have worked for thousands of children grappling with sensory, communication, social, behavioral, and self-care issues.

Autism Early Intervention

FAST FACTS

Parents who find out their child might have autism are overwhelmed with doctors, therapists, and information all at once. It can be difficult for these parents to find the answers they need in a sea of resources, especially for a parent who is not familiar with autism terminology and treatments. This little book is the perfect way to get acquainted with autism and early intervention strategies. It answers questions such as: What is autism? What are the signs of autism? Who is involved in my child’s evaluation? What should I expect at the time of diagnosis? What are the goals of early intervention? How do I choose which treatments are right for my child?

Inspirational Books for Young Adults on the Spectrum

Dear Charlie

In this heartwarming book, a grandfather offers loving advice in a series of letters to his grandson Charlie, who has autism. His letters educate and inspire, while painting a beautiful, positive portrait of children with autism. He explains what autism is and what it is not, offers social dos and don’ts, and encourages Charlie to be who he is and follow his dreams. Makes a great gift for young adults on the spectrum!

The Heart of Autism

At long last, the Autism Angel spreads her wings! This powerful guide to intervention and education empowers you with skills and motivation to foster success in youngsters with autism. Each page contains uplifting strategies, experience-based wisdom, and heart-fueling inspiration to help caregivers and professionals apply the techniques and attitudes that have made Jennifer Abeles one of the most respected professionals in the autism community.